I walk over to her and reach for her hand, pulling her towards me. “It will be,” I reply and lean down, grazing her lips with mine. She lets out a small hum of satisfaction, and I deepen what was meant to be a chaste kiss.
“Do I need to call the fire brigade?” asks Sophie. Rachel lets out a small snort and steps back.
“Where’s Molly?” I ask.
“With Charlie and Selene.”
I place the box on the table with the other presents and rub my hands together. “Where do you want me?”
Sophie laughs before heading back to the kitchen. I watch as Rachel’s teeth dig into her bottom lip. I wiggle my eyebrows and wink. She throws a bag at me. “Any good with balloons?”
I look inside and laugh. Then I spend the next half hour using a hand pump to blow up the balloons. My fingers and thumbs are sore by the time I finish tying the last knot.
“Done,” I say and sneak up behind Rachel, pulling her into my chest. I eye all the face paint and sponges lined up on the table.
“Thank you.” She spins in my arms and kisses my chin. I’ve never had this with a woman before—the public displays of affection—but with her, it’s as natural as breathing, and I wonder why I kept her at arm’s length for as long as I did.
“You’re so beautiful.”I lean in to kiss her, this time keeping it PG-thirteen, pulling back just as the door chimes to the arrival and squeals of Molly and Selene.
Charlie’s hair is all dishevelled, but his smile is one of joy. I shake my head and laugh. “All right, boss?”
I hold out my fist, and he bumps it with his. “Dude, why do you always call me boss?”
I chuckle. “Because it pi—winds you up.”
Molly bounds over, holding up her arms. I swoop her up and tickle her side. “Happy Birthday.” I tap the tip of her nose.
“Thank you. Will you have your face painted, too?” she asks, and everyone busts out laughing.
“Maybe for you, I will,” I reply, putting her back on her feet as she rushes to Rachel.
“Mummy, Olly wants face paint, too.”
Rachel smiles and tucks her hair behind her ear.“How about I do yours first?”
Molly quickly sits in the chair, head poised and waiting. I check my watch—the other kids should be arriving in the next half hour. Sophie walks out with a tray full of cupcakes, and I take it from her.
“Thank you, just put it over there next to the cartons of juice.”
I comply and slip one when I do. Bringing the cupcake to my lips, I take a bite and close my eyes to savour the taste.
When I open them, Rachel is watching me, the sponge frozen in her hand, her eyes heated. I cock an eyebrow. I kneel to offer her some, and she leans back, taking a small bite before licking her lips free from the icing. She missed a spot in the corner. Before I have time to stop myself, I wipe it away with the pad of my thumb and lick it clean.
Her eyes go wide, and I have to remind myself Molly is right there.
“Here you go, Molly.” I offer her the last piece, and she looks to her mum for permission. No sooner has Rachel nodded, Molly is shovelling it into her mouth, and we all burst out laughing.
“What time is it again?” Rachel asks.
I turn my wrist to see the face of my watch. “Almost six.” She’s been waiting on Marcus to light the cake. He was meant to be here at two and hasn’t answered Rachel’s texts. Molly doesn’t even seem bothered, but that’s not the point.
I hear the door open behind me and turn to see him, sunglasses on, keys in hand—walking in without a care in the world.
She rushes past me. “Finally. Quick, I want to sing happy birthday and cut the cake so her friends can take some home.”
He only nods, not even an apology for being late. I step forwards and offer my hand. I’m not surprised when he chooses to ignore it.
Dick.
